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- Up to pillar: furniture flipping beginner guide
- Sideways: best furniture to flip for profit | how to flip furniture tutorial
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Why sourcing matters
Buying smart is step one in every furniture flip. The cheaper (and sturdier) the piece, the bigger your profit after paint and polish. This guide shows you where to find furniture to flip, how to spot winners, and what to say when you haggle.
1. Thrift stores
- Visit mid-week mornings—new stock hits the floor after weekend donations.
- Look for solid wood dressers and tables.
- Say: “Would you take $25 if I carry it out now?” Staff often say yes.
2. Estate sales
- Day 1: scout high-end items; Day 2–3: deep discounts.
- Bring cash and a tape measure.
- Haggle script: “It’s marked $60—any chance of $40 before closing?”
3. Facebook Marketplace
- Set alerts for “solid wood,” “vintage,” and “free couch.”
- Act fast; send polite pickup times in first message.
- Filter by “Price: $0–$50” to spot bargain flips.
4. Curb alerts and bulk-trash days
- Check neighborhood Facebook groups for “curb alert.”
- Drive popular routes the night before trash pickup.
- Bring gloves, a friend, and tie-downs.
5. Garage and yard sales
- Arrive in last hour—sellers slash prices to avoid hauling leftovers.
- Bundle tactic: “I’ll take the chair and table for $30 total.”
6. Reuse centers & habitat restores
- Non-profits sell donated cabinets, doors, and furniture cheap.
- Great for DIY furniture flips that need minor fixes.
- Ask about half-off days; many stores discount monthly.
7. Storage-unit auctions
- Bid low on “furniture-heavy” units; inspect frames on-site.
- Sell excess items fast to cover the lot cost.
- Risky but big upside if you spot quality wood pieces.
8. Friends, family, and workplace boards
- Post, “Looking for old dressers to upcycle—will haul for free.”
- Many folks are happy to give away bulky items.
- Best ROI: zero purchase cost means pure profit later.
Quick check before you buy
- Wiggle test: legs tight, no major wobble.
- Sniff test: skip strong mold or pet odors.
- Scratch test: veneer chips are OK; deep rot is not.
- Style check: mid-century, farmhouse, or modern lines sell fastest.
Want piece-specific profit picks? See best furniture to flip for profit.
Negotiation tips in one minute
- Be polite. A smile beats hardball tactics.
- Use cash. “I have $40 with me now.”
- Bundle items. Two tables often cost less per piece.
- Know your max. Walk away if price kills profit.
FAQ
Best time to thrift? Tuesday and Wednesday mornings—fresh stock, fewer shoppers.
Worth driving far? Yes, if the area has wealthier donors; higher quality stock.
Safe to pick curb couches? Avoid heavy stains and always inspect for pests.
Next step
Pick one source above, set a $50 budget, and hunt this week. Grab a solid piece, follow the how to flip furniture tutorial, then list on Asherfield to keep 85% of your sale price. Smart sourcing today means bigger profits tomorrow—happy hunting!
